Strap ornament (Piece)

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This enamelled bronze strap ornament was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was mounted on the horse harness of a member of the auxiliary cavalry, probably for ceremonial use. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The mount is almost complete, although cracking in places.

The harnesses of Roman cavalrymen were decorated with a range of mounts and pendants. Some of the finer examples, such as this one, were probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-203-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 838
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Enamel, green; circular; white disc in centre
  Strap mount
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Strap mount
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Green enamelled strap mount with a white disc in centre, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 332, Pl. LXXXIX, 17. 
• Translations:
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